3rd Day with Pip

Had a 3 hour session with Pip this morning it wasn't as cool as last night but not as hot as the first day. Again I strove to work smarter not harder. I also focused on pretending I didn't have any tools. How much can I get accomplished with just my thoughts and body? I also slowed way down, waiting for the golden licks and chews often even if it took a few minutes to get them. The more soak and relaxation time I give each horse the more then want to perform me and understand I am on their side.

Started the morning off with where we left off last night; synchronized walking (with saddle on). When way better this morning, she is stopping with my breath and seat now, and it doesn't matter which side I am on, it is equally good.

Then reviewed life up life down, and circle with human in neutral giving the horse 100% responsibility to stay in gait, don't change directions, watch where you are going and by the way keep a float in the rope. Still took longer than I wanted it too, but I remained patient. Aiding her only when necessary, rewarding the slightest tries. Also worked a little on Yo Yo. Being sure that she floated back like a boat moving away from the dock. Lots of soak time on each end of the yo yo, creating sweet spots.

Started teaching backing in a circle. First couple of times she had some brace in her rib cage and didn't feel like bending. But I used the barrel for a focus and she soon found how easy it was to go around the barrel when she softened and bent her body while keeping the impulsion backwards.

Took her with me to do some other horse chores like putting out hay for my horses, filling water tanks, moving hay bales etc. She was like my partner. I just put the lead in my pocket and went about my work. Let her have a nice drink and a little hand grazing before going to the round pen for our final work out of the day, where the focus was proper posture and free forward movement with some flexion.

Ended in the round pen, instead of starting in the round pen just to keep things fresh and unpredictable, yet keeping my communication and fairness very consistent and dependable. So in other words using repetition for security in learning yet variety for motivation for willingness to learn and practice.

Really worked on shaping her body up while in the round pen, not just letting her run around without purpose, focus and form. It again took longer than I predicted but we were able to quit on a very good note. The lesson for the day for anyone reading this is SLOW DOWN be PATIENT and CONSISTENT, your horse will love you for it.

Happy Trails,
sherry

Pip's Beginning

Pip arrived yesterday. It was hot, humid and no breeze. But despite the weather conditions we proceeded to get to know one another. She is a beautiful three year old appaloosa owned by Donna, who has raised some very fine appaloosas. I have had the privilege of working with a couple of other horses she has raised, one included the sire of this fine filly. Not only is she pretty and built well, she has a good mind. She may be a little snotty and opinionated at times, but for the most part she really would rather just get along and go with the flow. I think she is going to be fun.

We started in the round pen at liberty. I just let her go stood in the middle and watched her, leaving her to just be a horse. I carefully observed where her attention was, how she was moving her body, and what she choose to do when left on her own. She was pretty relaxed, she found a few blades of grass near the edge of the round pen to nibble on. Her attention was quite divided between me, grass and my horses on the other side of the trees out in the pasture. She has beautiful balanced and relaxed movements.

After a while I asked her to move out at the trot, that is when the snotty started, head tossing, shaking, and even kicking out at me. So each time she was snotty I asked her to move a little faster and as soon as she soften I asked her to turn and face me by backing off the pressure, NOT chasing her HQ. She was good at turning and facing but didn't want to move towards me in the middle. So I made the effort to go to her and play some nice friendly game. I also played a backing game using steady pressure, plus moving the FQ a little.

When I asked her to move out again, I was very particular about staying as subtle as possible. I was working smarter not harder. I was choosing to do as little as possible in order to get maximum results from her. It didn't take her long to figure out it was easy to go with the flow. Now remind you it is very hot out, and so I am doing my very best to get this all done without any sweat from either of us. It is working. As she is turning and facing so well, but choosing to stay on the rail, I keep working on the draw. She is finding that I am a darn good deal and choosing me more often. The center has become our sweet spot and we both enjoy our time together there.

When she chooses and stays with me three times in a row, we call it a good day. But I don't just go put her away. Donna says she is food motivated. So I go to the pasture to hand graze her. Here comes my herd to check out the new horse. I use my stick to chase them off and she learns to read me not the stick. We become a herd of two and the magic has begun.

Pips second session on the first day started at 8:00 pm. It is still hot, humid, no breeze and not much cooler than it was this morning, but we press on anyway.

I make sure she touches me first at her gate. I am particular about her lowering and turning her head to me while I put the halter on. Spend some time with friendly scratches. Move the HQ over to position her butt to back out of the gate. Ask her to back out of her pen, which will be her habit for the next 30 days. I put the 22 foot lead rope on and head to the arena. She wants to lead me a bit on the way, so I remind her that we are going together as a team, practicing my synchronized walking. Everything you do with a horse matters. And you are continually either developing poor or good habits for you and your horse. It is your choice, but you must pay attention in order to develop good habits.

Upon arrival at the arena she thinks it is more interesting to pay attention to the other horses than to me. So we play a little attention game and work on the million dollar move (move the HQ then the FQ through). When she has softened and paying attention to me, we begin life up, life down exercises, mixed with friendly game with the stick and string. (Read me, not my stick, read my intentions, respond don't react or escape.)

When she is moving lightly and quickly from life up and slowing down and relaxing from my life down, we proceed to circle game. The goal is for me to do as little as possible to teach the horse it is her responsibility to:

a. stay in the gait I have asked for until further notice.

b. don't try to change directions

c. watch where you are going

d. relax in forward motion with rhythm and a slight bend in the body, keep attention on me and on the circle.

e. don't pull on me, (keep slack in the rope, in fact I want the rope on the ground for now, don't let it come off. I do nothing but stay the same in the middle and only correct when she makes a mistake. Even then I give her a moment to fix her own mistakes if she can. The longer we go the better she is at doing this.)

f. Do all of the above for one entire circle.

This exercise is actually very easy if the handler is very very very patient. Don't try to cause it, rather allow it to happen, then it will go a lot easier and quicker. Think and visualize the circle in your head maybe even from birds eye view.

I did reward her a few times before she had completed the circle, just because I didn't want to loose the draw and join up that I had established in the first session with her. Always remember to reward the slightest try and you will be pleasantly surprised at how much harder the horse will try for you.

When she finally gave me the circle that I was seeking for I turned and walked out the gate towards her pen. She joined up and walked on a loose lead synchronizing as my partner all the way back to her pen even though she was leaving the rest of the herd. We have bonded as a herd and as a team. We are off to a very good start. It is dark and my clothes are stuck too me because the air is sweating it is so humid. Even so I had a lovely time with a great filly.

Thank goodness it is a little bit cooler this second morning with Pip. It is still hot and humid, but the difference is there is a little breeze. Hallelujah. I bet Pip is as happy about this as I am.

She greeted me at her gate with a good look on her face, offered me her head for the halter and backed out the gate like she knew it was expected. All signs of a good session to come. We started in the round pen again this morning. However, this time after watching her for a few minutes, I played with the invisible line driving. I drove her to the middle to stop and smell the saddle and pad which were now our next goal. It was easy to stop her at the saddle and she was curious about it, playing with it and stomping on it. Good thing it was my 40 year old saddle. Ha Ha! You don't think I am stupid enough to put my $3000 new saddle on the ground in the middle of a round pen, do you?

Anyway, after some good line driving and a couple of good join ups. I put the halter on and saddle her from the off side. All good, she stands perfectly still. After cinching tight enough so it won't slip, I step back as if it was her first time saddling which it is not, and let her do whatever she chooses. She meanders off towards the gate looking at my horses in the pasture. I let her settle, she walks around a bit. Then I ask her to move out at the trot. She moves out easy but is a little tense, however nothing alarming or extreme. So I let her float down to a walk and rest. Do this a couple more times each direction.

Then I think, I'll bet if I ask her to canter she will show me her true colors. Because yesterday in our first round pen session she was a little snotty when asked to canter. Oh Yea, I am right, when I ask her to canter she goes to bucking and bawling. All my horses come running to see what is the matter. I kick it up a notch with her asking her to go faster and whala, it works like it should she stops bucking and when she begins to relax in the canter, I ask her to come in. She joins up real nice. We have a nice long friendly session. Repeat on the other side, all of the above. She buck each direction one more time, but not as violently. Then the 3rd and 4th times each directions she transition nice into the canter, I don't ask her to stay in it. My goal for now is to just get a good transition. I will ask her to hold it longer later.

This whole thing did not take very long, and each rest session was a little longer than the bucking or moving out session. I am excited at how quickly she comes around to be willing, and she is an extremely beautiful mover. I could see some dressage moves on her real soon, when she gets in harmony with the rider.

As soon as she transitioned to the canter nice each direction I unsaddled her in the round pen, did a little more invisible line driving. Then hand grazing on the way to the barn, gave her a grain treat, brushed her out and applied fly spray, which was not big deal.

Don't worry about the bucking Donna, it is all part of the process and she came around real quick. I predict she may attempt it half-heartedly this evening, however, I am not worried about it. She really wants to please. Plan for this evening is the same and then take her to the obstacles after round penning.

Oh and she did overreach on her right front foot while she was bucking. A little blood on the cornet band on the inside. Just a small scrape, I'll keep an eye on it. But I don't think it will turn into anything. I will also get her a salt block this afternoon.

Already have 7 hours in Pip in the first two days. Well at least it was a lot cooler this evening working with Pip. As I predicted she only gave me half-hearted bucks tonight in
the round pen and we introduced obstacles. She is very confident, got up on the pedestal in 5 minutes, crossed the bridge in 2 and went right through some squeezes no problem. Took a little longer to get the circle to the right tonight. Last night she was quicker to get it going to the left. I work one direction at a time until it is good, because every time you start a new direction you can have a new horse because we are working the other side of the brain.

We also had a little discussion on the way back to the barn about who leads who. Which is why it was well after dark before I was finished, and Keith came looking for me to be sure I was ok. Good hubby. All in all a great 2 day beginning. Don't know that I will be able to keep up with detailed reports like I have already posted as I have a very busy schedule coming up.

Happy Trails,
sherry

Think About What You're Thinking About

Dear Horse Lovers,
I've been studying the mind for a long time. As a teacher I am very interested in the brain and how it works and how we learn. Over the winter I have been reading a lot of books on this subject.The more I learn the more I realize how important our thought life is. I remember Ray Hunt repeating the words "Think, have a plan." over and over at the clinic when I rode with him. And I recently rode with Buck Braanaman and when one student asked him "How did you do that?" He said, "I thought it." Have you ever thought something and your horse just did it? I know some of my students have experienced this. Thoughts are powerful and they have creative ability. So it is critical that we think about what we think about.

I don't think it is very likely to have a positive life if you have a negative mind. If you struggle with negative thinking, it's important for you to come to grips with the fact that your life won't change until your thinking does. I have learned not to think about every thought that falls into my head. I decide whether it is a profitable thought or not and if it is not I simply throw it out, and I don't allow my mind to dwell upon it. Then I start thinking about things that are true, honorable, just, and honest. I consciously think about things that build myself and others up instead of tearing them down. This includes any horse I am working with.

It may take a little time to develop the discipline of taking your thoughts captive. It may happen little by little just like we develop our horses little by little over time with good habits. Don't criticize yourself when you have setbacks in your thinking patterns, just get back up, dust yourself off and start again.

Sometimes people come to me for lessons or bring their horse to me because they are discouraged about their progress. My job is to equip them with tools in their horsemanship skills and more importantly to encourage them to keep moving forward. Some people are afraid to be positive or hopeful because of past hurts or failures in life. But the pathway to freedom begins when we face the problem without making excuses for it, and then begin to change our thinking about it. You don't have to allow the old things that have happened to you and your horse to keep affecting your relationship and progress forward.
I can't promise the journey will be easy, that you will never be disappointed, or that things will always turn out exactly the way you want them to. But you DO HAVE THE POWER TO THINK AND BE POSITIVE AND MOVE FORWARD if you so choose to replace your fear with hope.

No matter how negative your thoughts are or how long they've been that way, I know you can change. I can promise you that it will be worth it if you make the effort to think about what you're thinking about. This has helped me to succeed in so many ways. But don't forget that the thinking will then have to be followed with positive actions that match those positive thoughts.

If you are struggling in any area of your horsemanship or even in your personal life, our camps will help you transform your thinking and we will encourage you to be the best you can be. Hope to see you this summer at one of our many camps. Please check out our calendar and sign up now.
Happy trails,
Sherry

No Matter What!

Dear Horse Lovers,
Throughout the course of a horse's life both positive and negative things happen to them. Some of those things are very damaging to the horse's willingness to interact in a safe and acceptable way with humans. It is heartbreaking to me when I see a horse operating with high defense mechanisms. They are simply doing it for self-preservation and survival. People who are ignorant of the horse's survival needs and effective ways to communicate with the horse are normally the cause of this. The horse is struggling with fears, confusion, lack of trust and respect for humans.

I had a horse like this in training during April. I am very happy at the dramatic changes that happened in her in just over a month. But I spent over 100 hours with her in order to break the chain of fear and confusion which caused her to be scared and defensive. Through a lot of relationship building exercises I gained both her trust and respect. She looked like a different horse when she left here both physically and emotionally.

I was patient with her, no matter what. I took the time it took with her, no matter what. I worked with her consistently every day, no matter what. I gave her enough repetition and variety, no matter what. I expected the best from her, no matter what. I never got frustrated or angry with her, no matter what.I preserved her dignity and curiosity, no matter what. I remained calm and stable for her, no matter what. I focused on her confidence, no matter what. I was crystal clear with her, no matter what. I was soft as possible and firm as necessary, no matter what. I did not 't give up on her, no matter what. I know it may sound impossible that I was able to do all of these things but it is true. I am not perfect; however, I have taught and disciplined myself to be very serious about doing whatever is necessary to help a horse come around, no matter what.

Going at a slower pace than I wanted to with this horse actually paid off much more than I ever thought it would. In the end I was very pleased with her overall progress and I know that she has a new confidence in herself and would like to be a willing partner given half a chance to do so. Once again I realized going slower is actually faster.

No matter what issues you or your horse may have there are workable solutions. However, depending on the severity of the issue it may take a lot of time and effort in order to get to the other side. You will find great satisfaction from overcoming these issues and by taking it to the next level with your horse.

I became very attached to Babe this month and it is was very hard to part with her. But I know her owner also has her best interest in mind and will do all that she can to continue what I started in Babe. Babe was not the only beneficiary here, I gained another opportunity to take my horsemanship to the next level by working with her.

After I fulfill the obligations I have already committed to, I am not taking any more horses this year. I really want to take my horses to the next level. I have had very little time in the last couple of years to work with my own horses because I am always so busy riding everyone else's horses, and solving their problems for them. However, help is still available because I am still doing camps, clinics and lessons. One of these avenues is a great way for you to take it to the next level with your horse.

I will take horses again next April. I love working in the cool spring weather even when it rains and snows. And I hope to work on my second book during the heat this summer, when I prefer being inside with the air-conditioner.

I hope you have another great riding year, having more fun than ever and staying safe, no matter what.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Affordable Horse Vacations

Whether you show, are new to horses, have lost your confidence or simply want a safe and quiet mount to trail ride, our clinics, camps or lessons are for you!!!

I am all about safety and creating a "partnership" with your horse. I am a full certified instructor for American Asso. of Horsemanship Safety, Inc.

By attending one of our events you will learn to understand how to work through any situation that may arise between you and your horse. Knowing why your horse does what he does is the first step in creating a willing relationship based on mutual trust and respect. The result will be a well trained "partner" and will always result in a safer and more fulfilling relationship for you and your horse.

I will use proven methods I have learned from other great trainers like Buck Brannamen, Ray Hunt, Richard Winters, Jack Brainard, and Pat Parelli, (a few that I have actually ridden with) in order to teach participants how to achieve:

A "yes" attitude in your horse
Respect, trust and control
Softness and suppleness with the bit
Collection and lateral/vertical flexion
Softness and suppleness with leg and seat cues
Balance in both horse and rider

Some of the topics covered and issues dealt with will include:
Ground Manners
De-spooking
Headshyness
Standing Still While Mounting
Biting
Kicking
Bucking
Bolting
Rearing
Head Tossing
Pulling Back
Leads
Great Stops
Smooth Gait Transitions
And much, much more!!!

If you are interested in more information about attending one of our events go to our website at www.heartinyourhand.com

When you come out to Burwell to one of our very affordable camps you will be surprised at how much you get for your dollar. The clinics which I mentioned above that I have attended on average were $600 for about 12 hours of instruction and did not include lodging, food or stalls for my horse. So that is always an extra expense, which can really add up when you stay in motels and I have paid up to $40/night for a stall for my horse.

For about the same price at one of our camps you will get over double the amount of instruction from me which is very individualized because I keep the groups small on purpose. (Only about 6-8 people as compared to 25-30 participants in other clinics).

Plus I include in the price very comfortable lodging in our bunkhouse, nice stalls for your horse, and beautiful scenery on free trail rides each day. (Meals are optional for some of our camps).

So if you are looking for a summer vacation where you can enjoy your horse or one of mine, give me a call. You can come and just ride trails, or participate in a horsemanship camp for learning, or even sign up for a Spirit Horse Retreat where you let the horse teach you about yourself and God.

We do private camps upon request. Call to find out available dates. So if you want to come with a friend and design your own camp, let me know. The bunkhouse is full from June 15-30th. But starting July 1st I have some openings.

Here is a testimony from a gal in Florida who attended a camp and she doesn't even own a horse.
Had the good fortune of participating in one of Sherry's amazing clinics 2 years ago... the experience was a life changer. The lessons learned go far beyond you and a/your horse. I continue to practice and reflect on my experiences, thank...s Sherry! Oh, I augmented my "camp" experience with a few days working with Sherry and her herd. I stayed in town... again, I cannot tell you how special the time was and how much I learned. Don't pass this up!

So if your looking for an affordable horse vacation give us a call.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Watch Your Words!

Here it is the 14th of June. This is the latest date I have ever sent out my monthly newsletter. It normally comes between the 1st and 5th of each month and I have met that deadline every month for nearly 7years now. That is a lot of writing and articles. However I have a good excuse for being late this time. Many of you know that on May 19th my Dad had a heart attack and he is still not out of the hospital. However, we are hoping he can come home by this Fri.

On June 9th my parents celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in the hospital. What a great accomplishment to be so in love and devoted to one another for over half a century. I have a thing or two to learn from them about relationships. They seem to always be there for each other no matter what. They always speak good words about one another. It is amazing how powerful words are. I saw this quote on facebook and I believe it is so true.

Watch your thoughts: They become words.
Watch your words: They become actions.
Watch your actions: They become character.
Watch your character: It will become your destiny.

How does this relate to horsemanship? We really have to watch our thoughts and actions around horses, because they have this uncanny way of nearly reading your mind. But technically they don't read your mind, however they are so darn good at observing your body language they just as well be reading your mind. And words we say about our horses and our own horsemanship abilities can somehow become self fulfilling prophesies. So be careful what you say. I think a horse knows our character even better than we do. Because he knows what happens before what happens, happens. What is your destiny with your horse? You can create that destiny by paying more attention to your thoughts, words and actions.

I recently said that I wasn't taking any more horses in training at my place until 2012 so I had more time for my own. Another example of being careful what you say. I had to eat my words because last Sun. a nice little black mustang named Husker came to live with me for the next month. When these people called it just seemed the right thing to do to help them on their journey. I have already had a great time with Husker in just 3 days. The owners are going to be spending a lot of time in training with Husker, because they realize that they need the training even more than he does. So it will be an enjoyable month teaching both horse and owners who are so willing to learn and be the best they can be.

It is exciting to have so many people coming out to Burwell to stay in my bunkhouse to learn along with their horse instead of just sending the horse for training and expecting him and I to do all the hard work. I have 5 more people coming this month to do exactly that. Then at the end of the month is the parent youth camp, which will be fun.

I have given my bunkhouse a name, "Horse Lovers Bunkhouse". I purchased some signs and brochures for it recently and am excited to see them and get them hung up. It is very cute and comfortable. You don't need to bring your own bedding, towels, or dishes, all is provided. Just bring your own personal toiletries, food, clothes, and an attitude of learning and fun. We have air-conditioning, but no TV, don't worry you won't have time to watch one anyway. However we do have wireless internet access.

I hope you get the chance to come visit us this year.

Happy Trails,
Sherry

Report from Parent/Youth Camp June 2011

By Anne Burkholder
Megan and I had a wonderful time at Sherry's Youth Horse camp this week. We sat
down tonight and she recited some of the things that she learned.
1. Don't ever over-correct your horse b/c it makes him stop.
2. Always have control of your horse. (Keep them between your legs)
3. When you are doing ground games or riding, take your time. Don't rush your
horse and always reward the slightest try.
4. When something is hard, don't ever give up. Stay positive, Get creative, Be
patient!
5. Attitude—have a good one!
6. Be confident, Be a leader!
7. Have fun and be interested—your horse will too!
8. Fun with horses also comes with responsibility.
9. Don't let your horse get in your bubble-protect your space so that your horse
respects you.
10. Don't pull your horse, push him!
11. One reign stop! Lateral bending with softness.
12. Nose, neck, maybe feet.
13. There are four distinct phases---hair, skin, muscle, then bone.
14. When backing, the way that you move your hand will determine which direction
his butt goes.
15. Never get frustrated when your horse is yanking your chain.
16. When backing while riding: keep your hands in front of the saddle horn with
tightened reins, roll your hips backwards by rolling your belly button back, and
lift your hands.
17. Two pointing is awesome and I can't wait to gallop!
18. Never lean forward in the saddle.
19. When your horse has a bad expression with his ears, fix that before you ask
for anything else.
20. Do not touch your saddle or your horse's butt with your leg when climbing in
and out of the saddle.
21. Always balance your relationship with friendly!
22. What you don't do on the ground, you shouldn't do in the saddle.
23. There are 7 ground games: friendly, porcupine, driving, yo-yo, circling ,
side passing, squeeze
24. Have a set routine when asking your horse to pick up his feet—pinch instead
of push. When you ask for a back foot—stay out of the kick zone and bend his
neck toward you. Don't release until he gives you what you ask for!
25. Use your entire body to direct your horse.
26. Lead and ride your horse like a QUEEN.
27. Be particular!
28. Be a partner, not a predator.
29. Don't let your horse wallow when you are on his back!
30. FOCUS (pay attention to your horse) and have a PLAN!

Thanks so much to Sherry for a great camp. Horses are such a wonderful thing to
share, and they teach great "life lessons".
Anne
Youth Parent Camp: July 21-23 As of today I don't have anyone signed up for this camp. It will be a first come first serve basis whether I stay home for the camp or go to Omaha and Lincoln for monthly private lessons that weekend. If you read the above report you will see it is a great camp for both parent and child. The list of things that Anne and Megan learned is very detailed. This camp is a great value as the parent instruction is virtually free. So it is a two for one as far as the instruction fee is concerned. Carol another grandmother who came said she thinks she learned more than her granddaughter. It is a great way to bond with both your horse and a child.